Iresh Zaker’s Pioneering Journey into OTT Content Production in 2020
In 2020, Iresh Zaker embarked on a transformative journey that would position him at the forefront of Bangladesh’s burgeoning over-the-top content industry. As the Managing Director of Asiatic 360, Zaker leveraged the creation of Good Company Limited, a subsidiary focused on branded entertainment, to forge a groundbreaking partnership with ZEE5 Global that would redefine Bangladeshi content for international audiences.
The Birth of Good Company Limited
Founded in 2016 as an Asiatic 360 content initiative, Good Company Limited emerged as Bangladesh’s premier entertainment agency. The company was established with a clear vision to bridge the gap between traditional advertising and entertainment content, creating what the industry now recognizes as branded entertainment or “brandtainment.”
Under Zaker’s leadership, Good Company positioned itself as a fusion studio capable of producing high-quality content that resonated with both local and global audiences. The company’s expertise in content development and brand storytelling made it the ideal partner for international streaming platforms looking to tap into the rich cultural narratives of Bangladesh.
ZEE5 Partnership: A Historic Collaboration
The watershed moment for OTT content production in 2020 came when Good Company Limited partnered with ZEE5 Global to produce original Bangladeshi content for the streaming platform. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in the country’s entertainment industry, as it opened doors for Bangladeshi stories to reach over 190 countries through ZEE5’s global distribution network.
Key Milestones
October 2020: The Groundbreaking Announcement
At a star-studded virtual press conference on October 27, 2020, ZEE5 Global announced its entry into Bangladeshi original content production. The event, attended by prominent industry figures including former Minister of Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor, unveiled an ambitious slate of projects that would showcase Bangladesh’s creative talent on a global stage.
Mainkar Chipay: The Trailblazer
The partnership’s first project, “Mainkar Chipay,” released on November 9, 2020, represented a bold departure from conventional Bangladeshi cinema. This dark-comedy thriller, directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Abrar Athar, demonstrated the viability of producing high-quality streaming content under challenging circumstances.
Shot during the COVID-19 lockdown with strict adherence to health guidelines, the film featured an innovative minimalist approach that required limited crew and equipment. The production starred Afran Nisho, Sariful Razz, and Shamol Mawla in a tense situational thriller set entirely inside a car.
Expanding the Content Slate
Following the success of “Mainkar Chipay,” the ZEE5-Good Company partnership announced three additional original projects:
- “Jodi, Kintu Tobuo”: A romantic comedy by screenwriter and filmmaker Shihab Shaheen, starring Ziaul Faruq Apurba and Nusraat Faria
- “What the Fry?”: Directed by National Film Award-winning filmmaker Anam Biswas, featuring Bidya Sinha Mim
- “Contract”: A web series directed by Tanim Noor and Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, starring Arifin Shuvoo, Chanchal Chowdhury, Zakia Bari Mamo, and Iresh Zaker himself
The production pipeline extended beyond these initial projects, with announcements of several more titles in development for the coming months.
Iresh Zaker’s Dual Role: Producer and Actor
What distinguished Zaker’s involvement in OTT content production in 2020 was his multifaceted contribution to the industry. While serving as the producer through Good Company Limited, he also appeared as an actor in the web series “Contract,” demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of both the business and creative aspects of content creation.
His work on “Mainkar Chipay” earned him a producer credit on what became ZEE5’s first-ever Bangladeshi original, cementing his role as a pioneer in the country’s OTT revolution.
Industry Impact and Vision
The collaboration between Good Company and ZEE5 represented more than just a business partnership. It embodied a vision to elevate Bangladeshi content to international standards while preserving the authentic cultural narratives that made these stories unique.
Through this initiative, Iresh Zaker and his team created opportunities for:
- Talented directors and filmmakers to work with international production budgets and global distribution
- Actors and crew members to gain experience in streaming platform content creation
- Bangladeshi stories to reach diaspora communities and international audiences who had limited access to local content
The Broader Context of OTT Content Production in 2020
The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s entertainment industry. With traditional cinema facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, streaming platforms emerged as the primary medium for content consumption. The Bangladeshi OTT market witnessed substantial growth during this period, with local platforms and international services competing to capture audience attention.
Zaker’s entry into OTT content production positioned Good Company at the intersection of this transformation, enabling the company to shape industry standards and production practices that would influence the sector for years to come.
Production Excellence Under Adversity
The launch of OTT content production in 2020 required innovative problem-solving and adaptability. The pandemic-imposed restrictions demanded creative solutions for maintaining production schedules while ensuring crew safety. Good Company’s ability to deliver quality content under these constraints demonstrated the organization’s resilience and professional expertise.
The minimalist production approach adopted for “Mainkar Chipay” became a template for efficient content creation during challenging times, proving that compelling storytelling could thrive even with limited resources and constrained circumstances.
Strategic Positioning
As Managing Director of Good Company, Zaker’s strategic decisions in 2020 reflected a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape. By partnering with an established international platform like ZEE5, he secured:
- Access to production funding that enabled higher production values
- Global distribution infrastructure that eliminated traditional barriers to international markets
- Technical expertise and best practices from an established streaming service
- Marketing and promotional support that amplified content visibility
Legacy of Innovation
Iresh Zaker’s pioneering work in OTT content production during 2020 established a foundation for Bangladesh’s streaming industry. The projects initiated through the ZEE5 partnership demonstrated that Bangladeshi content creators could compete on global platforms while maintaining cultural authenticity and artistic integrity.
The initiative proved that with proper infrastructure, talented creators, and strategic partnerships, Bangladesh possessed the capability to produce world-class content for international streaming audiences. This legacy continues to influence the country’s entertainment industry, inspiring new generations of content creators to explore opportunities in the digital streaming space.
Ending Note
The year 2020 represented a defining moment in Iresh Zaker’s career and Bangladesh’s entertainment evolution. Through Good Company Limited’s partnership with ZEE5 Global, Zaker established himself as a visionary leader who recognized the transformative potential of OTT platforms long before they became mainstream.
His dual role as both business leader and creative contributor exemplified the comprehensive approach needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital content landscape. The projects launched during this period not only entertained audiences across 190 countries but also demonstrated Bangladesh’s creative capabilities to the world, setting new benchmarks for quality and storytelling in the region’s streaming industry.
